Improved machine for forming horse-collars



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FRANK CUNNINGHAM, CF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

IMPROVE-:D MACHINE FOR FORNIING HORSE-COLLARS.

Specification forming part of Letters PatentI No. 52,@26, dated February 27, 1866.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANK CUNNINGHAM, of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a Machine for forming Horse-Collars, and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description thereof', refel-ence being had to the accompanyin g draw-ings, and letters of reference marked thereon, making a part otl this speciiication, in which- Figure l is a perspective representation of my machine for forming one-half of the collar, and is represented as shut together. Fig. 2 is a perspective representation of the same, and is shown partly open. Fig. 3 is a transverse central section ot' one-haltl ot' the machine, showing the position of the leather when formed.

The object of my invention is to construct a machine by means of which theleather used in the manufacture of collars for horses can be formed the required shape before the collar is stuifed, also to lessen the expense of manufacturing and secure a uniform style of collar.

To enable others skilled in theart to make and use my invention, I will describethe method of construction and operation.

B C represent what I term jaws,77 the ends of which are curved similar to the common llame used with harness. The upper jaw, B, is enlarged at each end, as shown at It, for the purpose of giving the proper space and strength' for the bolt I and nut II to operate. rlhejaw C is enlarged at S for the purpose ot' making a foundation for securing the end ot' the bolts I in a permanent manner.

U shows the projection or enlargement of the jaw C, which supports the lever A by means of the bolt E.

'l represents the enlargement of the opposite end of the jaw C, which supports the form D by means ot' the bolt F, so as to allow the form to be opened or swung ont from the jaws B C when the machine is in use.

J shows the seats which support thejaw B, and are elevated or project above the jaw C the required distance to allow the form D and the leather used on the same to pass between thejaws B C, as shown at Fig. 3.

Thejaw B is not secured to the seats J, but may be adjusted to suit the different thickness ot' leather used by means of the nuts H, which operate on the screws cut on the ends of the bolts I.

In constructing the form D the general contour is made to conform to the desired style or pattern of one-half of the collar.

The material used in making the machines is generally cast-iron, except the lever A, which is made of wrought-iron. Cther metals may be used, but are more expensive. I intend to make two or more sizes of machines, so that all sizes of collars may be formed. The reverse part of the machine is made in all respects similar and needs no description.

Operation: In order to use my machine for forming collars it is first necessary to cut the leather for one-half ot' the collar in the proper form and then open the form D and place the center ot' the leather upon the form, as shown at K, Fig. 3. rIhe form D must then be shut in-jaws B C by means ot' the lever A. The wrinkles must be worked out of the leather by means of the common tools, similar to the method of crimping boots. Care must be used in drawing the leather equally, so that it may tit the form D in every part. After the leather has been fitted to form it must remain on the same until it dries. It can then be taken oft' from the form D and the same operation repeated. Thestufngmust beput in theleather which has been formed during the process of sewing the edges of the leather together, by which means a much better collar is produced and large amount of labor saved.

Having thus described my device, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent ot' the United States, is

The arrangements and combination of the parts B, C, D, and A, substantially as set forth.

FRANK CUNNINGHAM.

Witnesses Gno. L. CHAPIN ALBERT HAYWARD. 

